Oceanic Outrigger – First Impressions

[O.M.O.H.]

I just recently bought an Oceanic Outrigger BC.

Last Sunday I took it for a “spin” in the pool and although its an excellent (!) BC overall I have a few small beefs:

1. 1. High Lift Transfer or HLT is somewhat hard to use… In spite of what you see in the demo video. See video here: http://oceanicworldwide.com/flash/Oceanic%20Outrigger.html It could be that I need to practice with it more:
   • It takes v-e-e-e-ry long time to inflate and to deflate… The system is just very slow.
   • I am thinking it would be only useful in an emergency / rescue scenario or if you are waiting for a boat to pick you up.
   • The front float can be removed by using a different cummerbund without the float and two plugs that close off the HLT system at the bladder and the float itself. The cummerbund must be purchased separately (~$20) and the plugs come with the BC.
2. Only three stainless D-rings (one on the shoulder and two smaller ones on the bottom)
3. Plastic D-rings are kind of useless if you ask me (there are four I think)
4. Power inflator “deflate button” seems to work with about a half-a-second delay – could be a mechanical problem with power inflator intself
5. Cary handle is attached very low on the back of the BC which makes it basically useless
6. Supplied gauge and octopus holders are pretty much useless

Good things:

1. The main bladder provides 45lbs of lift which is not too much and not too little (with float fully inflated it is 57lbs – for size L)
2. Very cool looking
3. Balanced me in the water without any effort. “Right out of the box” I was perfectly horizontal when neutrally buoyant
4. Feels nice on your back and seems to transfer weight of the tank and lead nicely
5. The inside of the BC and Straps are fairly soft and didn’t scratch at all against naked skin
6. Tank cam-band seemed very secure
7. Weight systems is excellent
8. Based on what oceanic support told me the tank pad can be removed and then a doubles bracket can be bolted onto the BC’s PVC backplate for diving with doubles.
   • Some one I know dives Excursion with doubles regularly
9. Exhaust valves are pretty fast
10. Inflate function is very smooth and allows for very precise adjustments
11. Seems very rugged and sturdy
12. ... oh and did I mention it looks very cool

If there are other oceanic Outrigger users / owners I would ask such people to post their comments about this BC please.

 

[undefined]

Well if no one else will say it - I will. Thank you for posting your experience with the Outrigger! I'm looking at other Oceanic gear at the moment, but it is always a pleasure to read a review that wasn't paid for with advertising dollars (you didn't get paid for this, right?)

 

[Dive Right In Scuba]

Great write up....actually the outrigger now comes with the optional cumberbun, you might want to talk to the shop you got it from and get a new one, Oceanic will send it to them for free....if they wont, let me know and I will send ya one

As for HLT, like you said, I really only see it in emergency situations, it does get easier to use though.....but I just got rid of it and think its unneccessary unless in the ocean for hours, floating, waiting to get picked up.....

I think your inflator is bad.....

Carry handle- couldnt have said it better,

Clips- In the beginning I would have agreed, but I have grown accustomed to them and actually like them, sort of.....I hate it for my octo, but for my computer, its perfect......

I dont own one, I sell them, but have used it quite a bit.....alot actually...I own the Excursion, for me it was the only choice because I dont use pockets and it just feels perfect for me....

You posted a great deal about the positives of the outrigger, Its very easy to dive and will keep you perfectly trim in the water as well.......

again, GREAT WRITE UP!!!!!

 

[O.M.O.H.]

Well if no one else will say it - I will. Thank you for posting your experience with the Outrigger! I'm looking at other Oceanic gear at the moment, but it is always a pleasure to read a review that wasn't paid for with advertising dollars (you didn't get paid for this, right?)

I wish i was paid...
Hmm i think i have an idea! Could someone alert oceanic reps on Oceanic foum of this thread, this way they could respond to my "beefs". That would be nice.

 

[undefined]

I'm sure Doug or Darryl will chime in at some point. They seem pretty responsive...